Two brothers who attacked a passenger in front of a train full of Christmas shoppers have appeared in court.

Michael David Jones, 29, of Beech Grove, Troedyrhiw, and Luke Adam Jones, 27, of Rhydfach, Pentrebach, were both sentenced at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to affray, a statement from British Transport Police has said.

They had both been on a work Christmas party on the day of the incident.

Train was packed full with passengers

The court was told that at around 6pm on Saturday, December 20, both brothers were on a train from Cardiff Central to Merthyr Vale.

The service was packed full with passengers, including families, as it was the last Saturday before Christmas.

During the journey, Luke Jones became involved in a heated argument with another man.

He became increasingly aggressive and Luke Jones pushed him down into a seat. As he got back to his feet, Luke Jones threw a number of punches to the man’s head and body.

Michael Jones then joined in the attack, hitting the victim a number of times on his head.

The victim managed to free himself from the attack and made his way to a separate carriage to escape the pair.

Men refused to answer police questions

The pair were caught after British Transport Police (BTP) issued CCTV images of the pair.

When interviewed, both men refused to comment on all questions asked.

Luke Jones was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also given a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Michael Jones was made subject to a 12-month community order and given an alcohol treatment requirement for 150 hours.

Both men were also made subject to a supervision requirement and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Attack took place near man holding toddler

Speaking after sentencing, investigating officer PC Jason Teear said: “The train was particularly busy at the time, and the attack took place just a few feet away from a man holding a toddler - both of whom were terrified - which made this violent incident all the more shocking.

“Thankfully, no-one else got caught up in the violence, but it was a frightening and intimidating experience for those innocent bystanders in the same carriage. Others were visibly upset by what they had witnessed; it was clearly a distressing incident for all concerned.

“The brothers’ violent behaviour, which was clearly influenced by alcohol, was completely unacceptable and I hope the sentence sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated.

“Fortunately, incidents such as this are rare, but when they do happen, we take them extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.”